Lesion nematodes

Host plants: Lesion nematodes are polyphagous, meaning they attack a wide range of host plants. Economically significant crops affected include potatoes, corn, wheat, soybeans, various vegetables, and tree fruits, making them a challenge for both commercial farming and horticulture.

Biology and lifecycle: The lifecycle consists of an egg stage followed by four juvenile stages and the adult phase. Unlike sedentary nematodes, Pratylenchidae are migratory. They continuously enter and leave roots, causing mechanical damage to cell walls while feeding on the plant's cytoplasmic contents.

Damage and economic impact: Feeding leads to root lesions, necrosis, and the destruction of root hairs. This damage disrupts the plant's ability to take up water and nutrients, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and yield loss. Furthermore, the lesions act as entry points for soil-borne fungal and bacterial pathogens, complicating the disease picture.

• Implement long-term crop rotation to break the pest's cycle.
• Use certified nematode-free planting material.
• Apply soil nematicides or fumigants in high-infestation scenarios.
• Incorporate organic amendments to increase soil suppressiveness.
• Monitor soil populations through laboratory testing before planting high-value crops.